Elliott puts Cousins on full blast (updated)

Spurs color analyst Sean Elliott isn’t one to keep his emotions in check during broadcast. In fact, he’s not above a little bit of trash talking here and there, which is exactly what set him off late in the Spurs’ 97-86 victory over the Kings on Friday.

The incident in question took place at around the five-minute mark, when Kings center DeMarcus Cousins barked at his bench after drawing a shooting foul on future Hall of Famer Tim Duncan. Cousins had overpowered Duncan for a pair of low-post baskets before that.

According to Elliott, Cousins — never known for his maturity or good decision-making — said something to the effect of, “I’m going to bust his (expletive).”

That drew a lecture from Elliott, which he took into overdrive after Duncan proceeded to dismantle Cousins over the final four minutes. In addition to blocking Cousins at the rim, Duncan scored three baskets, including a dunk off a give-and-go with Boris Diaw that left Cousins flat-footed.

Crowed an angry Elliott:

“That’s why some humility is in order. You think you’re dominating Tim Duncan, you get it stuffed right back in your face. Timmy doesn’t like to talk trash. But if guys start talking mess to him, he’s going to respond. All that trash talking was premature. I’m not about to let these guys off the hook. Young ballclubs…should learn from this. Don’t start talking and flapping your gums against one of the greatest players ever. He’s going to make you pay. Tell me who got the best of this exchange.”

Updated, 8 p.m., Nov. 10

Not surprisingly, Cousins wasn’t happy when apprised of Elliott’s comments. As reported by CowbellKingdom.com:

“I mean me and Tim – we’re good,” Cousins said. “Like I said, I have the utmost respect (for him). But for the commentator to say the things that he said – that was immature.”

Cousins has expressed his respect for Duncan in the past, including the Hall of Fame compliment he gave Tim in a game last season: “&#(@ you’re good.” And Elliott probably did go overboard with what was more likely an outburst of excitement rather than a legitimate attempt to belittle Duncan.

That said, one has to appreciate the supreme irony of DeMarcus Cousins calling anyone immature.